Avid about Joint Ops

The class studies quietly, and many quietly wonder what the heck I'm doing.

First of all, I'm sorry about the title.  -- So, two weeks into VPD and things are going well.  The class is a good one.  So far, everyone's been punctual and disciplined.  And no one's failed anything.  All this makes the instructors happy, which makes our lives easier.

We're editing on Avid software before shooting any video.  This seemingly backwards way is a fairly new method, and is designed to show us what makes a good shot and how they're pieced together into sequences. The idea is to make us better camera operators before we ever touch one.

We're studying light theory, camera design, and our roles in wartime, peacetime, and contingency missions.  (scroll down to the military dictionary definition on the link's page).

Students get acquainted with Avid's interface during the ABCs/123s exercise.

During the week, we move back and forth between two classrooms.  One is for lecture, the other for practice.  Practice is good, because our jobs are very hands-on.  And I learn best by doing.  

Plus, everyone likes the part where they get to play with electronics.

Cpl. Elorza makes a laminated slate, which will be used to mark each new shot's beginning.

Corporal Elorza is a Marine and our class leader.  His job is to act as chain of command between the students and instructors.  We had them during my 'A' school, too.  It's definitely an added strain for the CL, because he can't just show up to learn.  He has to keep an eye on much more.

Death by Power Point!!!!!

Continuity is a very important word to us.  We have to tell a story so that it flows naturally, and the viewer isn't jolted by strange cuts.  Clean entrances and exits are one tool to maintain continuity.  Let the subject move fully into and out of scenes.  If not, it may look abrupt, like they teleported in.

Djimon Hounsou dares us to find something wrong with his scene.

We've watched a few documentaries and instructional videos, but for many the most telling moments are seeing mistakes in Hollywood movies.  Yeah, they're everywhere.  A coffee mug or coat hanger will move around or even disappear from shot to shot. Gaping wounds suddenly heal, or hair length changes drastically.

Once the eyes are opened, the matrix is revealed!